Weather forecasters have delivered a bit of bad news to Atlantans who had plans for the picturesque Memorial Day weekend on the beach: Nearby beaches will be virtually drenched all weekend.
Though hurricane season is still a week out, the first named storm of the season, Storm Alberto, is forming in the northwest Caribbean, according to Channel 2 News meteorologists.
“This system could bring tropical-storm-force winds and storm surge to portions of the northern Gulf Coast by late this weekend or early next week,” said Channel 2 News meteorologist Katie Walls. In addition, the threat of rip currents will steadily increase along the Gulf Coast from Florida westward to Louisiana over the Memorial Day weekend.”
Even though the weekend is likely to be wet, Channel 2 News meteorologist Brad Nitz said there will be dry periods at Georgia, Florida and Alabama beaches.
“There will by dry periods mixed in, and there are subtle differences (at each beach),” Nitz said. “However, overall I expect each of those locations to have high rain chances this holiday weekend.”
If you’ve already made it to your beach destination, there are still ways to salvage this drenched weekend at some of the most popular Southeast beach areas.
Savannah (Tybee Island)
Even if you can’t hit the beach, you can learn a good bit about the animals that exist along Tybee Island at the Marine Science Center. The center is opened from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, offering year-round programming around coastal animals, Coastal Georgia’s resources and other marine science-based research. The center offers walks, talks and treks at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. weekends.
Charleston (Folly Beach)
Coupling your shopping with history can come in a close second to being a beach bum. Start the long weekend by catching some Memorial Day deals at Charleston’s Tanger Outlets. Then, take the kids to view unique fire vehicles and antique fire equipment at the North Charleston & American LaFrance Fire Museum & Educational Center. All active duty military personnel can enjoy the museum for free all weekend.
Credit: Joe Ruble
Credit: Joe Ruble
Daytona (Daytona Beach)
See, firsthand, where NASCAR legends Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt, Jr., have dominated. On the 90-minute all access tour, visitors have the opportunity to explore the 2.5-mile Speedway from a variety of vantage points. After your tour, take a stroll through the new Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.
Jacksonville (Jacksonville Beach)
If you fancy yourself a bit of a beer nerd, you’ll have a nice reprieve from the soggy beach at the Budweiser Brewery. The brewery is only one of six in the nation. You can take a daily tour, grab some souvenirs or even enroll in beer school.
Below are some universal tips if you happen to be rained out at a beach this weekend.
Grab your umbrella for a wet but worth it beach walk.
Credit: Greg Lovett
Credit: Greg Lovett
Since the forecast does call for some dry periods, you may not be completely drenched if you venture out to the sand this weekend. The whole family can suit up in ponchos and (cautiously) enjoy the beach.
Watch the rain from your resort hot tub.
If you’ve got a an AirBnB or resort stay booked already, you may have to get creative inside. You can still get your feet wet and imagine yourself on the beach by taking advantage of an indoor hot tub. Many hotels and resorts strategically place their hot tub areas near the beach, so the view will be just as relaxing from inside.
Get creative with the kids.
Having a colorful imagination can be a necessary survival skill when you’re on a rained-out beach trip. Enjoy a a scavenger hunt at the hotel, game of charades or other imaginative play to pass the rained-in time. For the crafty, drawing, DIY projects and sewing might be fun projects and souvenirs to take by home. If you’re less into the make-believe, a good Netflix marathon or day of board games could be an alternative.
Whatever you decide, make the weekend a festive one and stay safe.
